The recent downfall of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as 'El Mencho', has sparked considerable speculation about who will take control of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in Mexico. With authorities actively working against him, discussions have emerged around the likelihood of a successor stepping in to fill the void left by his potential fall, with insights coming from sources such as the New York Post. Reports indicate that a person named Juan Carlos Valencia González, born in California and tied to the deceased cartel leader through familial connections, could be among the front-runners for this mantle.

Juan Carlos, who is the stepson of Cervantes, carries significant influence as the son of Rosalinda 'La Jefa' González Valencia, a key figure married to the former drug lord. The speculation surrounding him suggests a complicated leadership shift that may even involve the prospect of a female-led administration within the cartel hierarchy, given the strategic aims of organized crime in adapting to law enforcement pressures. His aliases, including 'Pelón', 'Tricky Tres', and 'O3', are indicative of a potentially strategic and calculated approach to maintaining the CJNG's operations amidst increasing legal scrutiny.

Despite being relatively under the radar, with limited details about his upbringing, Valencia’s mention as a potential successor underscores the entrenched dynasties within drug trafficking operations in Mexico. The spotlight on him also raises broader questions about legacy, power dynamics, and the evolving nature of leadership in cartel networks, particularly in light of the challenges posed by federal authorities since he was charged in 2020. As law enforcement continues to follow the trail of Oseguera Cervantes, the implications of who might take over could have significant repercussions both domestically and internationally in the fight against organized crime.